Advani reschedules Mumbai visit, likely to go with PM

New Delhi, Nov.27 : Leader of Opposition Lal Krishan Advani is likely to accompany Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Mumbai on Friday to assess the situation prevailing in that city in the wake of Wednesday's terror strikes that have killed 101 people and injured 287 others.

Advani was originally slated to leave for Mumbai at 10.30 a.m. today, but rescheduled it after Dr. Singh called him and requested him to join him.

The two leaders' visit is expected to take place only after the ongoing encounter against terrorists holed up in various spots concludes.

Meanwhile, Dr. Singh will address the nation in the evening, after the operations at various places are over.

Earlier, addressing media persons in New Delhi, Advani who has repeatedly called for the restoration of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) to defeat terrorism in the country, said: "Though the government at the Centre and State have much to answer for to the nation, but it is not that occasion for me to ask all that. Instead, the country must remain calm and try to stay united at this hour."

"I wish the security persons must register success over the terrorists. And, all of us must support them. We must maintain communal harmony,"

Expressing his heartfelt sympathy for all those killed on Wednesday night, Advani paid special tribute to the senior most security officials who were killed in the attacks.

"I express my tributes to all the killed people in these terrorist attacks. I also convey my tributes to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief and senior police officials of the Maharashtra Police."

"Terrorism is a global menace. Mumbai being the economic center of the country is chosen by terrorists," Advani said.

ANI